A reader asks: "What's a realistic retirement age? How much longer will most of us have to work?" The answer depends on how successful you've been at saving, how cushy a lifestyle you want, and, of course, when you prefer to disengage.

Three separate surveys released this week show rising levels of anxiety among Americans over when -- or whether -- they'll be able to stop working. And even where confidence is rising, some of it may be misplaced.